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Analog Synths


MusicaL

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I sold my Roland Jx3p (decent synth) back in the early 90's, and I now regret it. I am in the market for an analog synth (or even possibly a VA). I have a limited budget of about $400-500, considering this is just a hobby for me (and I have already spent a ton of money anyway on gear).

 

I am looking at the Roland Super Jx (Jx10), the Juno 106, and the Yamaha An1x. Since these are all discontinued synths, I will have to buy it either with very limited time to demo it or sight unseen.

 

Can anyone tell me about these synths and their respective strenghts and weeknesses, so that I am best informed prior to plunking down the cash?

 

TIA

 

Albert

 

PS: I have demo'd the analog card for the Yamaha S80, and was not impressed with the sound palette. I can't get my hands on the Alesis Vintage Synths card to demo...

 

I now own the S80, Korg M1, Roland xp-50, Kurzweil Micro Piano, Alesis QSR, Roland JV 880.

Gear: Yamaha MODX8, Mojo 61, NS2 73, C. Bechstein baby grand.

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It all depends on what kind of music you're into and what you're seeking for.

These synths all have digital oscillators but the Rolands have analog filters which give them IMHO a more beefy sound.

 

I have fooled around with them all and if I have to choose I'd take the JX10.

I think that one will fit your existing rig fine.

 

You can also check Vintagesynth

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Originally posted by Robert Smedberg:

These synths all have digital oscillators....

 

A DCO is an analogue oscillator, but the the pitch is digital controlled.

 

Excuse me for interupting... :D

:keys: My Music:thx: I always wondered what happened after the fade out?
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The JX10 is basically 2 JX8P's (the successor to your JX3P) under one hood with the ability to split or layer the 76-note keyboard.

 

The AN1X is a VA, but it's one of the gutsiest sounding ones. It's 10 voice polyphonic, has built-in FX, and bi-timbral.

 

The Juno 106 was kind of a weak sister to the Jupiters, but it has a nice sound. It's only got 1 oscillator per voice, but Roland fattened it up a bit by adding a sub-oscillator and a chorus effect. It's 6 voice polyphonic and mono-timbral.

 

The JX10 would probably most closely resemble the sound of your old JX3P, if that's what you're trying to do. Personally, I'd take the Yamaha out of those 3. Your call! :)

 

Peace all,

Steve

 

[ 12-04-2001: Message edited by: SWBuck1074@aol.com ]

><>

Steve

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My Rankings:

 

Warmth: JX10, Juno, An1x

Ease of access to parameters: Juno, An1x, JX10

Flexibility: An1x, JX10, Juno

 

It's your call. If you are considering the AN1x, you probably know that the plug-in (PLG-AN) that Yamaha offers for your S80 is substantially the same, but with 5 voices. The biggest difference is in the effects routing, where the plug-in is dependant on the S80's processing. It's only $220 or something. However the AN1x is a (pretty good) midi controller, as well.

 

Regards,

 

Jerry

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Another one to consider is the new Novation A-Station. I've owned both the An1x and the SuperNova and would take the SuperNova any day. The A-Station should sound very similar (maybe better with the improved filter). Street price should be a little over $500.

 

Busch

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Originally posted by tuttorney:

[QB]

PS: I have demo'd the analog card for the Yamaha S80, and was not impressed with the sound palette. QB]

 

I just noticed this, Albert. Sorry.

 

You know Marino was saying the same thing a few days ago:

 

http://www.musicplayer.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=18&t=002583

 

I spend some time on the AN1x/An200/PLG-AN group at yahoo. Based on the response of individuals who have more than one type of unit, I believe that the plug-in model is very similar to the An1x model. I am not sure if there is a gain or effects issue with the plug-in, however.

 

The An1x and the Yammy card are indeed hobbled by rotten presets (like a few other synths) however. This is one reason why the AN1x died a marketing death before being resurrected in the used market.

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Thanks for the replies, and info. I hadn't considered the an200. My understanding is that it's just a plgan150 Plugin housed in a desktop plus some other bells and whistles... Well maybe I will demo it.

 

I thought about the mks70, but wouldn't mind the 76 note keyboard since I have an 88 and 61 key boards, it would be nice to add the in between size, in case it is needed.

 

Albert

Gear: Yamaha MODX8, Mojo 61, NS2 73, C. Bechstein baby grand.

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My 0.001 cents: I have just bought an AN1x, but sadly, I still didn't have time to play with it a little bit. As soon as I'll do it, I'll post my impressions, for what they're worth.

BUT I've had a further chance to compare its "general" sound quality with the plug-in card for the Yammy workstations, and I must say it reinforced my previous impression: The card is not up to AN1x quality. Why, I can't say.

BTW Albert: There's a free, downloadable sounbank for the AN1x called Roland Impressions, and it's really excellent. It emulates Roland sounds from the JX3P to the D50 and JV (on an analog board!), and does an awfully good job.

Generally, I got the impression that the AN1x can do a lot more of what the presets show. (That's true of most synths of course)

 

Carlo

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Carlo

 

Grazie Mille. Is that how you say it? Well, anyway, I will be waiting to hear about your impressions of the An1x. Have you looked at or played around with the an200. Although I don't play any dance music, I may have some use for some techno rythms slowed down dramatically. That's what may be attractive about the an200 (as well as the price).

 

Albert

Gear: Yamaha MODX8, Mojo 61, NS2 73, C. Bechstein baby grand.

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